The reason can be summed up in one word - "защищающихся." The English transliteration is something like this - "Zashtsheyeshtshauoushtsheyekhsua." No other explanation is necessary. :)) To read about my Russian language classes and see my impressive Cyrillic handwriting, look here. This birthday greeting was created for one of my Russian friends a few years ago. Can you understand my Russian? :)

Actually I stopped studying Russian because I became unfocused and didn't have time to work as a lawyer, maintain this blog, and be a linguistic scholar. It's a very difficult language for a native English speaker to learn, and it serves absolutely no purpose in my professional or personal life. All of my Russian friends in the U.S. and abroad speak English very well, and I know enough basic Russian phrases to exchange pleasantries with strangers during my visits to the country. English - the international language for tourism in most parts of the world and in my profession as a lawyer. The same for science and medicine, no matter how many times people try to argue with me about this fact or the need for English signs in Moscow. "Let them learn Russian and Cyrillic!," the most common response when I complain about the lack of English language tourism infrastructure in the country. Do you really think it's necessary for a foreigner to learn a language when they're spending only one week of their entire life in the country where it's spoken? I don't, although it will certainly make your life easier if you take a few hours to at least memorize the Cyrillic alphabet, which isn't that hard to master. Happy Sunday to all! :)

Of course, otherwise I could not practice law. And I took one of the hardest bar exams in the USA - Virginia. :) The system for lawyers is totally fuc*ed in the USA. You can spend 100k to get your doctorate degree in law, and if you never pass the bar exam your dreams of being a lawyer are dead. You're burdened with a mountain of debt and a useless degree.

I still try to study sometimes, but my schedule is too packed to take such studies seriously. You have to be very disciplined and practice frequently to maintain the skills you learn. Otherwise, language is lost.

I reeeally dislike "let them"-phrases, even if it is "let them eat cake!")Learning Cyrillic can be fun though, I agree; my husband can "read" Russian, it is rarely useful, but can be very entertaining.

Yeah motivation is the most important thing in learning foreign languages. And Russian is a bit harder than EnglishAlso, we are surrounded with american culture so almost everyone is able to say basic english words. Like: "Bitch, vodka drink yes?"

Exactly. I'm 42 now, my brain doesn't absorb languages as quickly and I was never a good linguist, even in youth. I think you either pick them up quickly, or struggle. I fell into the latter category, but of course when there is little motivation it makes a big difference. If it was necessary to learn Russian to keep my job, I'm sure the motivation would suddenly arise. :)

My kids were born in states and English is their native language. We put efforts toward improving their very basic Russian language. They were attending full day Russian language school on weekend where they were immersed into the company of russian-speaking kids of their age. However, last year I simply gave up on this effort and we will be starting spanish language, instead. I no longer see any economic advantage of knowing russian beyond simple phases. Spanish on the other hand will be useful since we want to explore places like Costa-Rica and other latin american countries.

I agree with you. If you know some Russian and you do not spend much time in Russia, you not need to force yourself to study Russian. Only if you like Russian and want give your brain an exercise. Just as a hobby! :)